Meaning: This idiom means something happened unexpectedly or very quickly, without any prior warning.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “All of a sudden, the lights went out during the storm.”
- “She was walking calmly when all of a sudden, she tripped and fell.”
- “We were talking when all of a sudden, he started shouting.”
Origin: The phrase “all of a sudden” has been used in English since the late 17th century. It likely originated from the phrase “of a sudden,” meaning an event occurred abruptly. The addition of “all” emphasizes the immediate and surprising nature of the event, reinforcing that it happened without anticipation or gradual buildup.
